Hi Reader!
This week on the podcast, I talked about why I’m shifting my business from just editing to mostly coaching.
You can listen to the full episode here, but I wanted to give you the sparks notes version via email because the reasons that I shifted to coaching are the same reasons why I think that most first-time writers should consider hiring a coach instead of a developmental editor.
Developmental editing is great, but it only provides feedback on a snapshot of your manuscript in time. If you can take that feedback and run with it, great, but I’ve found that most writers struggle with that second part.
As editing clients returned for revision evaluations, I noticed that even writers who wanted to improve their stories and wholeheartedly agreed with my feedback struggled to turn that feedback into action on the page.
Not universally, but it happened often enough that I realized something needed to change.
The real problem is that most editors, even those like me who offer follow-up calls, aren’t there at every step.
They aren’t there to help you troubleshoot before the revision starts, and they aren’t there six months in when you’ve lost faith in your writing and don’t know how to move forward.
To be clear, I am always happy to answer my editing clients’ questions via email, but that communication isn’t built into the editing process, which means clients don’t always feel comfortable reaching out for extra help even when it’s available.
Most beginning writers also need to learn the fundamentals of fiction writing. And while an edit can teach you a lot, it isn’t the best way to learn.
Learning happens when someone explains what’s happening behind the scenes, gives examples, and provides opportunities for you to practice your skills while getting feedback on your work.
When I reflected on my favorite parts of teaching and the work that helped students learn the most, I was coaching them on their writing.
I didn’t call it that back then, and it didn’t look anything like the coaching I do now (it involved lots of hunching over Chromebooks and running laps around my classroom, if you’re wondering). But the effects were similar.
I got to have real conversations about my students’ goals, the audience they wanted to reach, and the purpose they wanted to accomplish.
I got to see their work evolve over time, and I was there to brainstorm and troubleshoot with them whenever they needed me (at least during a class period).
And most importantly, feedback was truly a conversation, not a one-way street.
I can’t fully replicate the classroom experience in Reader Ready Revisions (and I wouldn’t want to, I value being able to go to the bathroom whenever I want to during my workday), but I have captured the spirit of being a teacher, walking alongside writers for every step of the revision process.
And for anyone reading this email skeptically thinking that I’m just trying to justify an economic choice, I’ll admit, running a course/group coaching program absolutely helps me work with more writers at one time in a way that is more sustainable.
But, at the same time it’s also more cost-effective for writers when compared to a developmental edit (dev edits are usually $2k+, Reader Ready Revisions is currently $2k max if you upgrade - not cheap, but cheaper).
If you want to hear the full story behind this transition and all the ways that coaching supports writers, you can find the full episode here.
Better Writing
You have two opportunities to learn from me coming up!
First, don’t forget to register for the BIPOC Author Summit, which runs 8/13 - 8/15!
This completely free event features 15 amazing speakers who are ready to teach you how to plan, write, and publish your book. Who doesn’t want that?
My presentation goes live on Friday, and I’m talking about my favorite topic - how to revise your book without getting overwhelmed.
If you’ve heard enough about revision from me, you can also catch fantastic presentations on dictation, writing scenes, and so much more!
And unlike most summits, you won’t have to rush to finish the presentations.
Each presentation will be available until August 22, but you can also get access for a whole year (along with some other amazing bonuses) by grabbing the All-Access Pass (just fyi, I’m an affiliate).
If you have any questions at all about the summit or the All-Access Pass, hit reply and let me know. I’d love to chat with you!
Get your free ticket to the BIPOC Author Summit!
Second, I’m running a workshop on Tuesday all about defining your ideal readers!
The Ideal Reader Workshop is running live on August 18th at 4:30pm Eastern.
You’ll learn why you need to focus on a specific group of readers, how to determine what those readers actually care about, and how to use your ideal reader profile when you revise.
If you’ve been taught to create a profile for one individual reader, that’s not what this is.
Focusing on one reader is too limiting, but focusing on the specific group of readers whose opinions, tastes, and preferences matter is freeing.
No more trying to create a book that will work for everyone. No more watering down your ideas in hopes that you’ll have mass appeal. No more worrying that no one will ever want to read your books.
We’ll figure out exactly who your book is for so you can embrace that audience and focus your entire revision process on making your book work for them.
You can register for the Ideal Reader Workshop here.
Thank you for reading, have a wonderful week, and happy writing!
With love,
Olivia
P.S. In case you missed it, I'm running three summer workshops! The last workshop, all about ideal readers, is happening on Tuesday, August 18th. You can register here.
Your story matters. Let's make it great.
Curious to know how I can help? Check out my services here. I can't wait to work with you, so you can write the book your future readers are waiting for!
600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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